Cleaning apparatus and process



Dec. 5, 1961 E. RAND CLEANING APPARATUS AND PROCESS 2 Sheets-Sheet lFiled Dec. 50, 1957 INVENT OR. BURTON RAND MR. W

ATTORNEY Dec. 5, 1961 B. RAND CLEANING APPARATUS AND PROCESS 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. SC 1957 F 2 INVENT OR. BURTON RAND ATTORNEYUnited States Patent 3,011,924 CLEANING APPARATUS AND PROCESS BurtonRand, Bala Cynwyd, Pa., assignor to Autosonics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.,a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Dec. 30, 1957, Ser. No. 705,876 13Claims. (Cl. 134-12) This invention relates to cleaning apparatus andprocess, and more particularly to cleaning apparatus for removing greaseand hydrocarbon deposits plus associated dirt or soil from machine partby treatment with solvents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, such astrichlorethylene or the like.

The satisfactory and rapid cleaning of small machined parts, as forexample small machined parts which have been buffed, lapped, ground, orthe like presents a most diflicult problem. Experience has shown thatnotwithstanding repeated submergence in solvents efiected byconventional cleaning equipment, an appreciable amount of contaminant inthe nature of adhering dirt or the like remains with the machined parts,particularly in the hollows of interstices thereof. This, of course, ismost undesirable, since the presence of contaminant adversely affectsthe machined parts. In particular, if such machined parts are utilizedwhere close tolerances are required, the presence of adheringcontaminant constitutes a most serious problem.

This invention has a an object the provision of novel cleaningapparatus.

This invention has as another object the provision of cleaning apparatuswhich is capable of achieving a high degree of cleaning at a highcleaning rate With small machined parts.

This invention has as yet another object the provision of light, easilytransportable cleaning apparatus for small machine parts of highefficiency, and yet of relatively low cost to manufacture.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

' For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in thedrawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters refer tolike parts.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the presentinvention, with parts being broken away to reveal the structure thereof.

FIGURE 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of FIG- URE l. I

FIGURE 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 of FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a section taken on line 5-5 of FIG- URE 2.

The cleaning apparatus of the present invention is designated generallyas 10. Cleaning apparatus comprises an upright housing 12 which includesa cleaning section 14 and a solvent distillation section 16.

Referring initially to the cleaning section 14, the inlet 18 for thecleaning section 14 comprises a chute into which the machined partshaving adhering contaminant are fed, such machine parts descendingthrough such inlet 18 by gravity.

The inlet 18 passes through the wall 20 of housing 12.

Within the cleaning section 14 and behind the wall 20,

the inlet 18 is flared into a funnel 22 which discharges into the waterseal chamber 24. The water seal chamber 24 is formed by the housing 12and the back plate 26. Within the water seal chamber 24 thereis a layerof water (W in FIGURE 2) superposed over the main bath of chlorinatedhydrocarbon (designated B in FIGURE 2). The layer of water W provides awater seal and reduces the loss of volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon fromthe main bath B,

Below the water seal chamber 24 is the conveyor belt 28. The conveyorbelt 28 comprises a web'30- of sheet metal onto which is welded theperpendicular flap 32. This is best accomplished by providing flap 32with a pair of tongues 34 extending outwardly at one side and a tongue36 extending outwardly at the other side, and welding the tongues 34 and36 to the surface of the web 30. The conveyor belt 28 passes beneath thewater seal chamber 24 because it is directed to such position within'the bath by virtue of the curved guides 38 which are teeth or the like,and that positive driving of the Web 30: may be effected. From idlerroller 42 the endless web 30 passes over idler roller 44 and thence overidler roller 46. Between the idler roller 42 and the idler roller 44 theweb 30 is downwardly directed, so that the flaps 32 depend from the web30. A perforated curved floor 48 formed of sheet metal or wire mesh issecured intermediate Walls 20 and 40. The bath B extends down to thebasal floor 49, the entire bottom of cleaning apparatus 10 beingoccupied by the bath B for maximum solvent inventory, As usedhereinafter, solvent inventory is to be interpreted as meaning theamount of cleaning solvent within the apparatus 10. The spacing of the:curved floor 48 from the Web 30 is such that a clearanceof the partsbeing cleaned is achieved by-the use of wire' mesh screens 52 and 54 oneither side of the flaps 32.

Such wire mesh screens not only permit the machined parts undergoingcleaning to be engaged by the liquid comprising the bath, but alsofunction as guides preventing the dislodgernent of the machined partsbeing cleaned from the flaps 32 carried by the web 30. The wire meshscreens 52 and 54 are disposed on either side of the flaps 32 along thelength of web 30.

Beneath the floor 48 and intermediate the idler rollers 44 and 46 isdisposed the means for inducing vibration of ultrasonic frequencydesignated 56. Such means 56 coatings in the form of electrodes.

electric transducers are preferably provided with silver 7 Asillustrative of suitable piezoceramic transducers may be mentionedtransducers of the type disclosed in Kearney Patent 2,802,476, issuedAugust 13, 1957. However, it is to be understood that in place'of thepiezoceramic transducers above-mentioned, other means for'generating orinducing whose construction is well known to those skilled in the art;may be used for the means designated 56.

From idler roller 46 the web 30 angularly changes its direction so thatthe flaps 32 are disposed above the web 30. The web'30 passes under thecurved guides 58,

'which like curved guides 38 are carried by the walls 20 and 40.

The web 30 passes from the main bath designated B which is disposedappreciably below the idler roller 46 to the rinse bath designated Rwhich is carried intermediate the walls 20 and 40 on the divider member60. The divider member 60 is formed from sheet metal and extends from apoint adjacent idler roller 46 to a point generally on the same line asthe lowermost edge of back plate 26 and then upwardly and then angularlyaway from back plate 26 forming a vapor-tight barrier. As seenparticularly in FIGURE 2 the divider member 60 forms a trough spacedabove the larger trough formed by the fioor 49. The trough formed by thedivider member60 contains the rinse bath R which comprises the identicalchlorinated hydrocarbon solvent used in the main bath B. However, thechlorinated hydrocarbon solvent within time bath R is appreciablycleaner than the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent which forms the mainbath B. I

' A second divider member 62 formed of sheet metal is securedintermediate the walls 20 and 40, such second divider member 62 forminga vapor-tight barrier and extending from the housing wall 64 towithinthe enclosure formed by the upper portion of the dividermember 60.The lowest portion of the second divider member 62 above the dividermember 60 is provided with a drainage aperture 66, which opens into therinse bath R.

The endless web 30 passes from the rinse bath R and is supported by theinside surface of divider member 60 for a vertical distance. The web 30parts company with the divider member 60 when it reaches curved guides68. The curved guides 68 are carried on the walls 20 and 40 and aredisposed intermediate the divider member 60 and the second dividermember 62. Such curved guides 68 comprise an are forming the majorportion of a circle high frequency ultrasonic vibrations within thebath,

and sinuously deflect the web 30. From its engagement with curved guides68 the web 30 passes over idler roller It willbe seen from anexamination of FIGURE 2 that 'theifiaps. 32 serve as dividers with themachine parts beingcleaned being carried on the Web'30 when the web 30.is passing through the rinse bath R. When the web 30 leaves therinse-bath Rthe machine parts are carried on the flaps 32. Then as theweb 30 travels over the curved guides 68 the machine parts are pushedalong the uppermost surface of second divider member 62. After the web30 leaves curved guides 68 the machine parts are carried on the web, 30,and after the web 30 passes over idler roller 70 the machine parts arecarried on the uppermost surface of second divider member 62. From idlerroller 70 the web30 passes to idler roller 72, and thence vertically tothe driver roller .74. Between the idler roller 72 and the driver roller74 the cleaned machine parts are carried on the flaps 32, the free endsof the'flaps 32 being spaced a short distance from the inside surface ofthe 7 housing wall 64.

.The driver roller 74 is journaled 'by trunnionsintermediate the Walls20 and 40 and is driven by motor 76 and gear reducers 78 which reducethe speed of rotation of the spindle of motor 76 to the speed assumed bydriver roller74. The driver roller 74 may be surfaced with a highfriction type material which secures engagement between such roller 74and the juxtaposed surface of the web 30, or alternatively, the driverroller 74 may comprise sprockets mating with apertures in the web 30.

From driver roller 74 the web 30 passes along the uppermost surface ofdivider member 60 to the idler roller 80. Between the driver roller 74and the idler roller 80 the cleaned machine parts are carried on theuppermost surface of web 30.

The web passes vertically downwardly from idler roller 80 to idlerroller 82, with the cleaned machine parts being carried on the flaps 32.The free ends of the flaps 32 intermediate the idler rollers 80 and 82are spaced a short distance from the inside surface of the housing 7wall 84.

The outlet 86 for cleaning apparatus 10 extends through the housing wall84, with the mouth of such outlet 86 extending into the .housing 12 ofcleaning apparatus 10 to a point approximately beneath the idler roller82. 7

secured to the inside surfaces of'the walls 20 and 40 and projectinwardly providing a-support for the web 30.

The drastic inward veering of the web 30 above the mouth of the outlet86 results in the dislodgement of the cleaned machine parts which fallofi of the flaps 32 as they round the idler roller 82, and into themouth of outlet 86. A storage bin, or conveyor belt, or other means maybe provided beneath outlet 86 to receive machine parts discharged fromsuch outlet 86.

From curved guides 88 the web 30 extends vertically downwardly along thedivider member 60. At a spaced distance from curved guides 88 the web 30passes adjacent the back plate 26'and thence into the main bath B. Afterpassing over the curved guides 38, the conveyor belt 28 receives machineparts which have entered cleaning apparatus 10 through inlet 18, funnel22, and water seal chamber 24.

The solvent distillation section 16 comprises the vapor generatorchamber 92.

The vapor generator chamber 92 is formed intermediate the walls 94, 96,and 98, and the floor 100. The ceiling 162 for vapor generator chamber92 may be removed therefrom, and may be secured in position by means ofclasps 103 which extend intermediate the ceiling 102 and the wall 96.

The walls 94, 96, and 98, and the floor and the ceiling 102 arepreferably formed from materials which serve as non-conductors for heat.Thus, they may be formed of sheet metal coated with insulationmaterials, or may be formed of other suitable.non-conductorsfor heat.Since ceiling 102 is separate fromthe remainder of the vapor generatorchamber 92, access maybe had to the interior of vapor generator chamber92 for cleaning by removing ceiling 102.

The remaining wall of vapor generator chamber 92 includes the wall 104,preferably formed of a non-conductor for heat, which extends upwardlyfor about half the height of vapor generator chamber 92. The remainderof this wall of vapor generator chamber 92 comprises a sheet metal wall106 which extends intermediate the ceiling 102 and the condensate trough108 which is carried on the uppermost surface of wall 104.. A pluralityports 110 connecting the uppermost portion of vapor generator chamber 92and the drying chamber formed in the uppermost portion of cleaningsection 14, such drying chamber being isolated by the barrier-formingsecond divider member 62.

The condensate trough is tilted, its end adjacent the wall 94 of vaporgenerator chamber 92 being lower than its end adjacent the wall 98 ofvapor generator chamber 92. At its lower end adjacent its floor, thecondensate trough is provided with a passageway 112 which extends fromthe condensate trough 108 into the cleaning section 14, and specificallyto a point within the rinse bath R contained in the rinse sump formed bythe lower portion of divider member 60. i

Refrigeration means 114 comprising a standard coolant gas compressor isdisposed on top of solvent distillation section 16. A wide variety ofrefrigeration means 114 may be utilized including those which deliver anaqueous brine coolant, and those which deliver coolant gases.Alternatively, cold tap water may be used for refrigeration draining toa sewer.

The refrigerant fluid from refrigeration means 114 is passed therefromthrough duct 116 into the coil 118 which is formed intermediate the wall40 and the wall 106. The coil 118 serves to cool the Wall 106, wherebysuch wall 106 serves as a condenser onto which volatilized liquid may becondensed. Furthermore, the wall 40 is cooled, which serves to cool thedrying chamber portion of the cleaning apparatus above the dividermember 60.

From the walls 40 and 106, the coil 118 extends as the duct 120 into thebath B within the cleaning section 14. The duct 120 serves to cool thebath B whereby flashing of the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent isprevented.

The duct 120 re-enters the vapor generator chamber 92 by passing throughthe walls 40 and 106. This portion of the duct 120 designated 122extends vertically upwardly within the vapor generator chamber 92 andthence into the refrigeration means 114.

Heater means 124 is provided at the bottom of solvent distillationsection 16, such heater means comprising conventional means fordisseminating heat including the coil 125 which extends from the wall 94into the vapor generator chamber 92 and serves to heat the liquidinventory of vapor generator chamber 92.

The level of liquid within the rinse bath R in the rinse sump formed bythe bottom portion of divider member 60 is controlled by overflow pipe126, which also controls the height of the bath B. Thus, overflow pipe126 extends through the divider member 60 and then through the'walls 40and 104, discharging into the vapor generator chamber 92. The portion ofoverflow pipe 126 intermediate the divider member 60 and the walls 40and 104 includes the aperture 128 by which the level of the bath B iscontrolled.

The operation of the cleaning apparatus 10 of the present invention isas follows:

Machine parts bearing an adhering contaminant are introduced into thecleaning apparatus 10 through inlet 18 and funnel 22 descending onto theconveyor belt 28 adjacent the idler roller 42. During the descent fromthe funnel 22 the machine parts pass through the water seal W, on top ofthe bath B of chlorinated hydrocarbon'solvent, and which water sealserves to prevent the volatilization of chlorinated hydrocarbon solventfrom the bath B.

The machine parts are urged along the floor 48 by the flaps 32 of theconveyor belt 28. The motion of the machine parts through the bath Beffects cleaning of the machine parts. The bath B is maintained cool toprevent fiashing and volatilization by the coolant passing through theduct 120 which is in heat-exchange with the bath B.

1 As the machine parts pass over the means for inducing vibrations ofultrasonic frequency 56, such parts are subjected to ultrasoniccleaning, which facilitates in the removal of adhering contaminant whichis disposed within interstices, and voids Within the machine parts.

After being ultrasonically cleaned, the machine parts are impelled outof the bath B, and over the idler roller 46, and into the rinse bath Rmaintained within the rinse sump formed in the lower portion of dividermember 60. .The divider member forms a barrier separating the rinse bathR from the main bath B. The rinse bath R comprises chlorinatedhydrocarbon solvent which is considerably cleaner than the solventinventory of the main bath B so that rinsing of the cleaned machineparts may be effected within the rinse bath R. The tortuous path assumedby the conveyor belt 28 assures tumbling of the machine parts,facilitating their cleaning in both the main bath' B and the rinse bathR, and also the drainage of solvent and contaminant from the machineparts, and drying of the machine parts.

From the rinse sump containing the rise bath R the machine parts areconveyed on the conveyor belt 28 upwardly into the drying chamber formedabove the rinse sump and separated therefrom and fromthe bath B by thedivider member 60 and the second divider member 62, such divider members60 and 62 serving as barriers preventing the machine parts carried bythe conveyor belt 28 from coming into contact with the chlorinatedhydrocarbon solvent. The drying chamber above the rinse sump ismaintained cool by heat-exchange with the cooled wall 40. This preventsloss of the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent to the atmosphere, and alsoserves as an added protection against the possibility of vaporization ofthe solvent through the water seal W. Any chlorinated hydrocarbonsolvent which iscarried over from the rinse bath R is returned to therinse bath R through drainage aperture 66. In the illustrated embodimentthe drainage aperture 66 is shown on second divider member 62 beneaththe web 30 of conveyor belt 28. In such case the drainage aperture maybe covered by wire mesh in order to prevent jamming of machine partstherein. However, it is feasible to position the drainage aperture 66 toone side of the second divider member 62 in order that such drainageaperture would not interfere with machine parts being conveyed along thesecond divider member 62 by the flaps 32 of conveyor belt 28.

The labyn'nthian construction of the upper portion of cleaning section14, utilized as a drying chamber, permits the optimum use to be made ofthe available space Within the drying chamber. Moreover, thisconstruction permits the length of travel through the drying chamber tobe extended so that facile drying of the cleaned machine parts may beaccomplished.

Within the vapor generator chamber 92 chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent isdistilled off from the bottom of the chamber by heater 125. Thevaporized chlorinated hydrocarbon condenses on the Wall 106 of vaporgenerator chamber 92, and the condensate is collected in the condensatetrough 108. The collected condensate which flows downwardly by gravityin the condensate trough 108 leaves such trough as cooled liquid throughpassageway 112. From passageway 112 the condensate enters the rinse bathR within the rinse sump in the bottom portion of divider member 60. Thelevel of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent within the rinse bath R ismaintained at a constant height by the duct 126. Thus, overflow fromrinse bath R leaves through the duct 126 into the vapor generatorchamber 92. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent within the main bath Bpasses into the duct 126 through the opening 128, and from the duct 126into the vapor generator chamber 92.

Gradually as the cleaning apparatus 10 is utilized, there is a build-upof contaminant within the main bath B. and it will become necessary toclose the cleaning apparatus down and drain away the solvent inventory.The solvent may be drained from the main bath B through outlet plug 50.If desired, it may also be drained from the rinse bath R through thedrain pipe 130 and- '7 plug 132. 1 The solvent inventory may be drainedfrom the vapor generator chamber 92 through the plug 134, Theheretofore-indicated mode of construction renders the cleaning apparatusof the present invention readily available for major'repairs andoverhauling. Thus, the cleaning apparatus 10 may be built in such mannerthat going specification as indicating the scope of the inven-.

tion.

I claim:

'l.' Cleaning apparatus for degreasing machine parts including acleaning section and a solvent distillation section, a party wallintermediate said cleaning section and said solvent distillationsection, cooling means disposed within said party wall for cooling bothsaid cleaning section and said solvent distillation section, means atthe base of said solvent distillation section for volatilizing solvent,a condensate trough carred on said party Wall within said solventdistillation section and spaced above the floor of said solventdistillation section for capturing condensed solvent from said party.wall, and a passageway extending from said condensate trough to saidcleaning section.

2. Cleaning apparatus for .degreasing machine parts including a cleaningsection and a solvent distillation section, a party wall intermediatesaid cleaning section and said solvent distillation section, coolingmeans. disposed within said party wall for cooling both said cleaningsection and said solvent distillation section, a bath sump disposed atthe bottom of saidcleaning section, a bar- 'rier above said bath sump, arinse sump disposed in said cleaning section above said barrier, meansatthe base of said solvent distillation section for volatilizingsolvent, a condensate trough carried on said party wall Within saidsolvent distillation section and spaced above the fioor of said solventdistillation section for'capturing condensed solvent from said partywall, and a passageway extending from said condensate trough to saidrinse sump.

3. Cleaning apparatus for degreasing machine parts.

including a cleaning section and a solvent distillation section, a partywall intermediate said cleaning section and said solvent distillationsection, a bath sump disposed at the bottom of'said cleaning section, abarrier above said bath sump, a rinse sump disposedin said cleaningsection above said barrier, a second. barrier disposed in said cleaningsection above said rinse sump, a drying chamber disposed in' saidcleaning section above said second barrier, an outlet from said dryingchamber for the 'machined parts adapted to be cleaned, an inlet intosaid bath sump for the machined parts adapted to be cleaned, an endlessconveyor for transferring the machine'parts within said cleaning sectionthrough said bath sump, rinse sump, and drying chamber, means at thebase of said solvent distillation section for volatilizing solvent,means within said solvent distillation secton for condensing solvent,and a passageway through said party wall joining said last-mentionedmeans and said cleaning section.

4. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 3 in which the bath sumpincludes means for inducing vibrations of ultrasonic frequency spacedfrom said endless conveyor.

5. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 3 in it is possible toremove the entire wall; 20. In this ernbod ment the curved guides anddivider members mayher having a downwardly extending bafile, and inwhichv overflow pipe which extends from said rinse sump through v theparty wall into said solvent distillation section.

7. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said overflowpipe passes downwardly from said rinse sump into said bathsump andincludes an opening within saidbath sump whereby the level of liquid insaid 1 bath sump is maintained below the level of liquid in sai rinsesump.

8. Cleaning apparatus for degreasing machine parts including a cleaningsection and a solvent distillation sec.- tion, a party wall intermediatesaidcleaning section and said solvent distillation section, a bath sumpdisposed at the bottom of said cleaning section, a barrierabove said.

bath sump, a rinse sump disposed in said cleaning section above saidbarrier, a second barrier disposed in said cleaning section above saidrinse sump, a drying chamber in said cleaning section above said secondbarrier, an outlet from said drying chamber for the machined partsadapted to be cleaned, an inlet into said bath sump for the machinedparts adapted to "be cleaned, an endless conveyor for transferring themachine parts within said cleaning'section through said bath sump, rinsesump, and drying chamber, cooling means disposed within said party wallfor cooling both said cleaning section and said solvent distillationsection, means at the base of said solvent ldistillation section forvolatilizing solvent, a condensate trough carried on said party wallwithin said solvent distillation section and spaced above the floor ofsaid solvent distillation section for capturing condensed solvent fromsaid party wall, and a passageway extending from said I condensationtrough to said rinse sump.

9. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 8 in which the bath sumpincludes means for inducing vibrations of ultrasonic frequency spacedfrom said endless conveyor.

10. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 8 in which the inletinto said bath sump enters into a chamber having a downwardly extendingbaflle, and in which the endless conveyor passes into the bath sump fromthe opposite side of said baffle from said inlet, and in which saidendless conveyor moves beneath said baflle into a position below saidinlet. a

11. Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 8 in which said secondbarrier includes an aperture through which solvent may be drained fromsaid drying chamber into said rinse sump,'and'said rinse sump includesan over.-.

flow pipe which extends from said rinse sump through the party wall intosaid solvent distillation section.

12.v Cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 11 in which saidoverflow pipe passes downwardly from said rinse sump into said bath sumpand includes an-opening within said bath sump whereby the level ofliquid in said. bath sump is maintained below the level of liquid insaid rinse sump.

13. A process for degreasing machine parts which com-'- ferring saidmachine parts from said rinse bath to a drying zone in which solventfrom the rinse bath is drained from the machine parts, volatilizingsolvent from said rinse.

bath in a separate zone, condensing said volatilized solvent by contactwith a cooled surface, adding said condensed solvent to said rinse bath,maintaining said rinse bath and; solvent bath at a temperature belowambient tempera- 9 1 3 cures, and withdrawing solvent from said rinsebath to said 2,107,890 Frank Feb. 8, 1938 solvent :bath and to saidseparate zone where the solvent 2,118,480 Somes May 24, 1938 isvolatilized for said rinse bath. 2,153,577 Levine Apr. 11, 19392,248,662 Edhofer -iuly 8, 1941 References Cited in the file of thispatent 5 2,280,811 Edhofer Apr. 28, 1942 H 6 2,554,701 Hackett May 29,1951 1077 270 J PATENTSN A 1913 2,802,758 Kearney Aug. 13, 1957 me anFOREIGN PATENTS 2,104,991 Hollerer Jan. 11, 1938 2,107,369 Dinley Feb.8, 1938 10 115,836 Sweden Feb. 12, 1946

1. CLEANING APPARATUS FOR DEGREASING MACHINE PARTS INCLUDING A CLEANINGSECTION AND A SOLVENT DISTILATION SECTION, A PARTY WALL INTERMEDIATESAID CLEANING SECTION AND SAID SOLVENT DISTILLATION SECTION, COOLINGMEANS DISPOSED WITHIN SAID PARTY WALL FOR COOLING BOTH SAID CLEANINGSECTION AND SAID SOLVENT DISTTILLATION SECTION, MEANS AT THE BASE OFSAID SOLVENT DISTILLATION SECTION FOR VOLATILIZING SOLVENT, A CONDENSATETROUGH CARRED ON SAID PARTY WALL WITHIN SAID SOLVENT DISTILLATIONSECTION AND SPACED ABOVE THE FLOOR OF SAID SOLVENT DISTILLATION SECTIONFOR CAPTURING CONDENSED SOLVENT FROM SAID PARTY WALL, AND A PASSAGEWAYEXTENDING FROM SAID CONDENSATE TROUGH TO SAID CLEANING SECTION.
 13. APROCESS FOR DEGREASING MACHINE PARTS WHICH COMPRISES MOVING SAID MACHINEPARTS THROUGH A SOLVENT BATH, WITHDRAWING SAID MACHINE PARTS FROM SAIDSOLVENT BATH AND TRANSFERRING SAID MACHINE PARTS TO A RINSE BATH,TRANSFERRING SAID MACHINE PARTS FROM SAID RINSE BATH TO A DRYING ZONE INWHICH SOLVENT FROMTHE RINSE BATH IS DRAINED FROM THE MACHINE PARTS,VOLATILIZING SOLVENT FROM SAID RINSE BATH IN A SEPARATE ZONE, CONDENSINGSAID VOLTALIZED SOLVENT BY CONTACT WITH A COOLED SURFACE, ADDING SAIDCONDENSED SOLVENT TO SAID RINSE, BATH, MAINTAINING SAID RINSE BATH ANDSOLVENT BATH AT A TEMPERATURE BELOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, ANDWITHDRAWING SOLVENT FROM SAID RINSE BATH TO SAID SOLVENT BATH AND TOSAID SEPARATE ZONE WHERE THE SOLVENT IS VOLATILIZED FOR SAID RINSE BATH.